Chapter 418 Ashley's Imprisonment
When Ashley regained consciousness, memories of her abduction at the mall flooded back. She bolted upright, heart racing as she surveyed her surroundings—an elegantly furnished master bedroom she didn't recognize.
The door opened, and Chris entered with a smile that sent chills down her spine.
"Finally awake?" he asked, his gentle tone contradicting the predatory look in his eyes.
"When did you and Felicity become partners?" Ashley asked coldly.
Chris's lips curled into a smirk. "Jealous?"
Ashley mentally scoffed at his inflated ego.
"After that encounter with Ethan," Chris explained, leaning against the doorframe, "I became a wanted man nationwide. But your husband never imagined I'd be hiding right under his nose. The most dangerous place truly is the safest."
Ashley remained silent, her gaze icy.
"I've wanted to get close to you for weeks," Chris continued, his voice taking on an unsettling intensity. "To take you away. But Ethan—selfish as he is—had you under constant surveillance. I couldn't make my move until today."
A wave of affection for Ethan washed over Ashley despite her dire situation. She realized the strange feeling of being followed recently hadn't been paranoia—it had been Chris stalking her.
"He was protecting me," she fired back. "You're the selfish, obsessive one here."
Her eyes hardened. "Jasper did me the greatest favor by separating us years ago. Breaking up with you was the best thing that ever happened to me. Only after did I see what kind of person you really are. What do you possibly hope to gain by this?"
Memories of her previous miscarriage—caused by Chris's violent outburst—fueled her hatred. She wanted to lunge at him, but knew she couldn't risk her babies' lives again. She had to be strategic.
Chris's smile dissolved into something darker. "What do I gain? Your company, Ashley. Just promise to stay with me, and I won't hurt you."
If looks could kill, Chris would have dropped dead from Ashley's glare. Despite her rage, she knew she needed to play along until she understood her situation better.
Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she asked, "Can I trust you?"
"Of course," Chris replied, a manic glint in his eye. "I only want your company."
When he stepped toward her, Ashley quickly backed away. "Fine. I'll stay with you, but we need ground rules."
Chris raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"First," Ashley stated firmly, "whatever you and Felicity are planning, she stays away from me and my children while I'm here."
"I won't let her harm you," Chris agreed.
"Second, you don't touch me without my consent." The implication was clear despite her careful phrasing.
Chris's eyes darkened as they flickered to her pregnant belly, jealousy and obsession evident in his gaze.
Ashley instinctively covered her stomach with her hands, unnerved by his expression.
After a long pause, Chris conceded, "Agreed."
"Third, you treat me with respect."
"Of course," he said with a disturbing smile. "You're my precious treasure. As long as you stay in this room, I'll do whatever you ask."
Ashley fought back nausea at his words. "How long do you plan to hold me captive?"
"Don't phrase it so harshly," Chris chided. "This is just my secret hideaway where you're staying temporarily."
His smile turned sinister. "Not for long, though. In two days, a ship bound for international waters will dock. That's when we'll leave together."
Ashley's pulse quickened in alarm. He was completely delusional.
Forcing herself to remain calm, she began gathering information. "Where exactly are we?"
"Somewhere Ethan will never find," Chris replied dismissively.
"What about the video I uploaded before you kidnapped me? What's the public's reaction?"
Chris seemed genuinely impressed. "You've made headlines, Ashley. Everyone's praising you."
"Really?" she asked, feigning disinterest. "Can I see?"
His expression immediately darkened. "What are you planning?"
"I'm right in front of you—what could I possibly do?" Ashley countered. "I just want to see the news about myself."
When Chris remained suspicious, she held his gaze. "Your third rule—you've forgotten it already?"
That drew a laugh from him. "You've got me figured out, haven't you?"
He reached out, tracing her face with his fingers while staring at her with disturbing intensity.
Fighting her revulsion, Ashley persisted. "So, may I see?"
"Fine," Chris relented.
He pulled out his phone and found the news articles, but instead of handing it to her, he sat uncomfortably close, positioning himself to embrace her while she viewed the screen.
Ashley recoiled. "What are you doing? I said keep your distance."
"Relax," Chris warned, his voice hardening. "I'm just making sure you don't try anything clever. If you want to see the news, we'll look together. But if you attempt anything, I promise you'll regret it."
With a disgusted sigh, Ashley endured his proximity as she scrolled through the articles about her revelation as Evil Spirit.
After reviewing the coverage, she set down the phone. "According to these comments, people are expecting me to deliver more Panacea within the next two days. The synthesis process takes exactly that long." She looked directly at Chris. "I'll need supplies and equipment. If you help me get them, I can complete my work before we... leave."
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